Chapter 59
The guard chuckled. "You remember? She was wearing a veil that day, leaving only her eyes visible. Her features were only vaguely visible, so you can't see them clearly. Naturally, you don't remember them clearly, but you just feel familiar."
Liu Juteng stood up immediately, looking unhappy: "How can she still be in this position?"
Wei Zifu smiled and shook her head. She pulled him close and asked, "Your father has many beauties in his harem, and I've never seen him pay too much attention to any of them. Why is he treating her so differently?"
Why?
Liu Ju was stunned. No matter how true or false the comments were, he still felt uncomfortable about the person behind the scenes who might have caused him to "commit suicide".
But he couldn't say it, so he could only hesitate and say: "I just don't like her. Who let her use me?"
After hearing this, Wei Zifu didn't think much about it. She just thought he was being childish and still remembered the grudge of the Li brothers and sisters stealing his idea of the lotus hydrangea. She poked him lovingly and said no more.
The Chief of Guards, however, was more thoughtful. "My brother is right. After what happened that day, the Emperor must have held a grudge against her. Without another opportunity, he would never have chosen her to perform a song or dance. How did she even have the chance to see the Emperor?"
The key lies in the "other opportunity". What is this opportunity?
Wei Zifu suppressed her smile and said, "Madam Wang is good at dancing and loves dancing. She wanted to learn a new dance, but after studying for a long time, she still can't dance it well.
"She had been feeling down those days, and when your father asked about it, she told him the truth. She also mentioned that there were many dancers in the Music Bureau who were better than her, and asked your father to allow her to select a dancer with deep skills to teach her at the Magnolia Pavilion.
"Your father agreed and even accompanied her to the Yue Mansion to select someone."
Zhu Yi glanced sideways: "Is this Madam Li the one chosen?"
Wei Zifu shook her head and said, “Before I could choose, I saw a dancer dancing alone beside a bush in a corner of the Yuefu. Her dancing was so graceful that she looked like a fairy among flowers.
"Your Majesty was watching with great interest when suddenly several people jumped out from the side, targeting her and ostracizing her. They verbally abused her and even assaulted her."
Liu Ju: ...I get it. A classic hero-saving-beauty scene. Tsk, I can't complain.
A look and figure like that would easily make people fall in love at first sight and be hard to forget. In addition, there was the plot of a hero saving a beauty, which could arouse men's desire to protect her. His father was not a modest gentleman who could remain calm in the face of temptation. It was natural for him to enjoy the beauties in his harem one after another.
Even though he later learned that she was the masked dancer that day, it had been nearly a year since the incident. With such a beauty in his arms, he probably wouldn't care about it anymore.
Liu Ju sighed.
The Chief of Guards pondered, "Was Madam Wang's visit to the Music Bureau intentional or unintentional?"
Wei Zifu put down the cup in her hand, her expression serious: "I never believe there is such a coincidence in the harem."
But if it wasn't a coincidence, why would Mrs. Wang do this?
Liu Ju was puzzled and asked about his doubts.
Shi Yi raised his eyebrows and snorted coldly, "Why else? Seeing that the Queen Mother took Li Ji in, she also wanted to find a helper for herself and form cliques in the harem. She pretends to be so docile on weekdays, but who would really trust her?"
Liu Ju frowned, feeling that something was not right.
He thought for a moment, then looked up at Wei Zifu: "Even though Madam Wang has been favored over the years, she has never competed with the Queen Mother and has always been respectful to her. Why doesn't the Queen Mother trust her?"
Wei Zifu chuckled, "Do you think someone who knew how to scheme right from the moment she entered the palace, who, while many other beauties of the same period were racking their brains to win His Majesty's favor, had already found a different path, taking the path of Empress Dowager, and using this to successfully ascend to the throne, making His Majesty hold her in his heart and retaining His Majesty's favor for years, could be a simple character?"
Liu Ju understood.
Wei Zifu let out a sardonic smile. "Especially now that she has given birth to Liu Hong, Your Majesty's only son. Although she hasn't shown any hostility towards us yet, I doubt she truly has no ulterior motives."
"What's more, the harem is full of concubines, some fall, and some rise. In the past ten years, I have seen too many ups and downs. I will never trust someone who has no weaknesses in my hands and cannot be controlled."
Weakness, control...
Liu Ju pursed his lips. The answer was obvious. These two words were the key.
"That's why Queen Mother accepted Li Ji into her service. This is the key point. Li Ji is soft-hearted and easy to control. Although she may not be very capable, she has never had any bad intentions. She is a rare clean person in the harem. She especially knows how to be grateful for the kindness she has received.
"As long as you treat her well, she will remember it. She won't do anything ungrateful. And she has her second sister as her weak spot. As the head of the harem, the Queen Mother is also the legitimate mother of all the princes and princesses. Whether she controls Li Ji or the second sister, she has a natural advantage."
"But the relationship between Madam Wang and Madam Li is not like that between my mother and Li Ji. What is their basis?"
Liu Ju was puzzled by this, and neither were Zhu Yi: "A stunning beauty like Madam Li has been in favor for less than three months, and she has already been ranked as a Madam, on par with Madam Wang.
"With this momentum, how could Madam Wang be so sure that she had found a helper, rather than a formidable enemy? She's not stupid; there's no way she hadn't considered this beforehand.
"She has Liu Hong as her son. Liu Hong is just a prince, and cannot be compared with my younger brother, the crown prince.
"Once Madam Li also gives birth to a prince, she will immediately surpass Madam Wang in rank. How can Madam Wang guarantee that she can control her? If she takes action in advance and eliminates Madam Li's possibility of pregnancy, then such a great hatred will only cause the two of them to fall apart sooner or later.
"Mrs. Wang wouldn't make such a mistake."
There was something wrong with this, it didn't make sense.
Wei Zifu did not answer, but looked at her four children seriously, especially her three daughters: "What do you think?"
Shi Yi was stunned. Zhu Yi lowered his eyes, lost in thought.
The guard was silent for a moment, then said, "There are probably three possibilities for someone to help another person like this and believe that the other person will never retaliate against you.
"The first is favor. This favor is so great that it feels like rebirth. I am willing to go through fire and water for it and never betray it. The second is profit. This profit is so great that it captivates my heart and soul. I am willing to charge into battle for it and cannot refuse.
"Third..."
The guard's eyes flickered. "Madam Wang has something on Madam Li that she believes she can control. It makes her afraid to act rashly and force her to be at her mercy for the rest of her life."
Zhu Yi shook his head. "Madam Wang and Madam Li probably had no previous interactions, so there's no question of favor. Besides, Madam Li is different from Li Ji. It's not like she would obey Madam Wang's orders out of favor."
"As for the benefits, it's even more impossible. Madam Wang can't promise such a big benefit. Whatever benefits she can promise, Madam Li can fight for them herself once she ascends to the throne, and she might get more."
So there is only one answer.
The two sisters looked at each other and said in unison: "Handle."
Shi Yi: ...???
She was bewildered by the sheer volume of information, her head spinning. But Liu Ju understood instantly, his eyes rolling, "What kind of evidence is so powerful?"
Wei Chang Zhuyi shook his head and remained silent.
Wei Zifu curled her lips and said, "I don't know yet, but don't worry, Mother will send someone to investigate. This handle may be hidden a little too deeply, so it will take some time."
The guard's eyes flickered. "After you find out, what does the Queen Mother plan to do?"
"If this handle has nothing to do with state affairs and is not sensitive, if Madam Wang can use it, we can use it too." Wei Zifu looked at Liu Ju, "Ju'er is too popular nowadays, which is both good and bad.
"It would be fine if there was a more popular concubine to help cover up the limelight and draw everyone's attention. After all, there are many beauties in the harem. Even if she is not there, there will be others."
After hearing this, Liu Ju was stunned.
The chief of Wei and the other townsmen suddenly understood.
From this point of view, Lady Li was able to rise to the rank of Madam in less than three months, becoming the first person in the harem of this dynasty in history. It is likely that Wei Zifu was behind the scenes fanning the flames, and the title of Madam might have been suggested by Wei Zifu to Emperor Wu of Han.
In this way, she achieved her goal and demonstrated the virtue and magnanimity that a queen should have.
"But if this handle involves state affairs, it's too sensitive and would make Your Majesty feel uncomfortable..." Wei Zifu's eyes flickered and she sighed softly, "Then I can't keep it."
Not every piece of evidence could be used without fear. If the matter became too serious, concealing it could lead to disaster. Especially when the truth came to light, their actions would likely resent the emperor and breed suspicion, ultimately leading to more harm than good.
Therefore, in this regard, Wei Zifu has always been cautious and clear-headed. She turned around and looked at her children with a smile: "The Queen Mother will make her own decision on this matter. You don't need to pay attention to it, and don't interfere."
Then he looked at Liu Ju: "Especially you. Even if you don't like Madam Li, don't show it. If you don't want to see her, then don't see her. There's no need to fight with her."
Liu Ju nodded: "Don't worry, mother. I know."
He was not stupid, and it was impossible for him to face Madam Li openly, let alone do it in secret.
He believed in his mother's ability. Since she had already made the arrangements, why should he bother with this extra effort, lest he end up making things worse and ruining her plans?
So after coming out of the Pepper Room, Liu Ju put the matter aside. As soon as he walked to the East Palace, before he entered, he saw the Minister of the Ministry of Finance coming towards him.
Liu Ju's eyes widened: "Why are you here?"
"I have come to the palace to meet Your Majesty and report a few matters. I also come to pay my respects to Your Highness."
Liu Ju: ...My father lives in the Weiyang Palace, and I live in the Changle Palace. How can you be so convenient? Haha.
"Your Highness, last time I heard you mention preserved fruit, I asked the Imperial Eunuch to order the chief chef to try making some. Your Highness, please try some."
The Minister of the Imperial Household stepped forward with a smile and was about to hand over the food box. Liu Ju subconsciously took a step back and couldn't help shuddering: "Can you stop smiling like that? It's too flattering."
The Minister of the Ministry of Finance stopped dead in his tracks. What? What the hell?
Liu Ju beckoned Feng He to take out a mirror and look at himself. "Look at yourself. Do you look like some of those ostentatious prostitutes who are trying to please you?"
Female musicians and prostitutes? Comparing him, a high official, to a female musician and prostitute?
Shaofu Temple Minister: ...his smile froze.
However, when the mirror was placed in front of him, the Shaofu Temple Minister froze. Why... why did it really feel a little bit like that?
No, absolutely not.
The Minister of the Ministry of Finance resolutely denied it, but his body still responded honestly and his expression immediately became more restrained.
"That's right. This looks much more comfortable. At least it won't give me goosebumps." Liu Ju gestured to Feng He to take out the food box and said, "I'll take the preserved fruit. You can go now."
The Minister of the Ministry of Finance was unwilling to leave: "Your Highness, I have recently collected some folk anecdotes. Why don't you let me..."
Before he could finish his words, Liu Ju waved his hands repeatedly: "No, no need. I don't want to listen."
The Minister of the Ministry of Finance was completely confused.
That shouldn't be the case. He had inquired about it. The Crown Prince loved tinkering with food, listening to Marquis Bowang tell stories about the Western Regions, and the Left Supervisor recounting stories from case files.
That's why he went to great lengths to please him. Why does the prince look so disgusted?
"Your Highness, please walk slowly. If you don't like preserved fruits or interesting stories, I have many other things under my house. Would you like to go shopping?"
Liu Ju stopped and became even more speechless: "Just tell me, what exactly do you want to do?"
The Minister of the Ministry of Finance laughed awkwardly: "Your Highness, I don't intend to do anything. I just care about you."
Liu Ju didn't believe it at all. He rolled his eyes and strode forward: "You can say it if you want."
The Minister of the Ministry of Finance hurriedly chased after him and said, "Speak, I will speak. I just want to ask if Your Highness has any other clever ideas recently, or if you need anything, or if there is anything I can do for you.
"As long as Your Highness asks, no matter what it is, no matter how difficult it is, I will go through mountains of swords and seas of fire to find it for Your Highness. However..."
The Minister of the Ministry of Finance glanced at Liu Ju and said tentatively, "Your Highness, look, the Minister of Agriculture has already obtained many things. The Liuli Street project is not a short-term undertaking. It takes a long time and involves a huge plan. Now, there are also things like the curved plow and the overturning cart.
"The princess already has soap, lipstick, and perfume. As for the Shaofu... Your Highness, please see when to make another one. The Minister of Agriculture is quite busy, so why not give it to the Shaofu?"
Liu Ju was stunned for a while, then came to his senses.
My goodness, this guy has been so enthusiastic and busy lately, actually asking him for something?
He was a little puzzled. "The Grand Minister of Agriculture is in charge of the Glazed Street and farm tools. Doesn't the Minister of the Imperial Household also have horse harnesses and telescopes? If you really count them, you're responsible for more than he is. He's busy, but you're not?"
The Minister of the Ministry of Finance smiled brightly and flatteringly, "The Ministry of Finance has a large organization and a large number of staff. There are many capable people, such as Lu Linggong Shuxing and Kaogong Shaoling Baishan, who are both first-class assistants. Therefore, I have a slight advantage over the Minister of Agriculture. Not to mention the ones I have on hand, even if there are a few more, they will be enough."
Liu Ju frowned and took another step back: "I told you not to laugh like that, hold it back. It looks creepy."
Minister of the Ministry of Finance: ...
Restraining his smile once again, the Minister of the Imperial Household continued to ask, "What about this new item?"
Liu Ju raised an eyebrow. "I am indeed working on two new things. Bai Shan has been thinking about them for over a year. The designs have long been completed and have entered the experimental stage. However, these things are difficult to test. I need to try them out a few times before they are effective."
The Minister of the Imperial Household's eyes lit up. Although Baishan was under his command, he generally didn't have much control. Everyone knew he was the Crown Prince's man, and the designs he was responsible for were mostly confidential. Since the Crown Prince wouldn't talk about it now, he didn't want to ask, so he just said, "If it succeeds..."
"Here you go, alright."
That thing was originally the responsibility of the Shaofu, so Liu Ju answered very straightforwardly.
The Minister of the Imperial Household smiled brightly again, but when he realized that Liu Ju didn't like him smiling like that, he immediately withdrew his smile and said eagerly, "Is there anything I can do for you?"
"have."
Just as the Minister of the Imperial Household pricked up his ears and bent over to listen, Liu Ju said again: "I need you to disappear from my sight right now!"
Shaofu Temple Minister: ...Okay...Okay.
The Minister of the Ministry of Finance left in disappointment. Liu Ju breathed a sigh of relief and turned to go into the hall.
Not long after, Liu Che heard about this incident. He felt very complicated when he learned that his son compared one of the Nine Ministers to a female musician or prostitute. However, he was very interested in the new object mentioned by Liu Ju.
The next day, Liu Ju came to pay his respects and asked, "No wonder, ever since the craftsmanship competition, everyone in your Department of Investigation has been assigned to assist the Minister of Agriculture in making farm tools and teaching them to the people. Only Baishan, the one you valued most, was sent out. Was it all because of that new thing you mentioned?"
Liu Ju nodded: "Yes."
Liu Che raised an eyebrow: "What is it that Chang'an can't develop and has to go elsewhere?"
"It's not that Chang'an can't, but it's inconvenient. This thing can't be seen by others for the time being, so we have to find a place in the wilderness, a place with few people."
Can't be seen for the time being? In the wilderness, with few people?
These words inexplicably made Liu Che think of something - the Kongming lantern.
Liu Ju blinked. "It's similar to a Kongming lantern, but its function is different and much more useful. Its level of confidentiality is no less than that of a telescope."
Liu Che's eyes flashed: "Oh? So powerful?"
"Of course." Liu Ju rolled his eyes. "Father, do you plan to go to war with the Xiongnu after the spring?"
Liu Che chuckled: "Did Qubing tell you?"
"My cousin didn't say it directly, but I know that the emperor intends to attack this year. I also overheard him talking to my uncle about preparing food and fodder for the coming spring, so I guessed it myself. If there's no war, why would there be any need for food and fodder?"
Liu Che put away his joking expression and turned serious: "I do have this intention. Before Zhang Qian proposed to send another envoy to the Western Regions, you said that it would be inconvenient to go before Hexi was in hand.
"Hexi is the vital route from the Central Plains to the Western Regions, and it was also the route Zhang Qian had to take on his diplomatic mission. We must conquer this area before we can make any plans.
"Only in this way can we communicate with the Western Regions smoothly and not be trapped by the Xiongnu. I have waited for a long time and do not want to wait any longer."
Liu Ju understood and took Liu Che's arm: "Then I can lend a hand to my father."
Liu Che smiled and said, "The harness, compass, telescope, and Kongming lantern you made can all be put to use this time. They really helped me a lot."
Liu Ju held his head high and said proudly, "I'm not talking about these things, but the new things Bai Shan is making now."
Liu Che paused. "Is the new object also related to war?"
"Yes. Father, just wait. It will surely be another big surprise. You must be prepared and don't be frightened."
Liu Ju raised his little face, full of confidence.
Liu Che's eyes flickered, and his mind was full of thoughts, but he stopped and did not ask any further questions. With so many "surprises" before him, he had no doubt about the truth of this statement, but he didn't know how big this so-called surprise could be.
If it can really be of great help in this battle, there is no harm in waiting patiently.
So we waited until the beginning of spring, the first month of the year, when the weather began to warm up a little.
The court was closed that day, and Liu Che had just gotten up when he saw Yu Sui rushing in to report, "Your Majesty, His Highness said the things are ready, please come and go.
"This time, the location is quite far away. Your Majesty, please make all necessary arrangements and bring the General and the Marquis of Champion with you. As for the rest of the group, Your Majesty, please consider and compare them with the telescope."
Liu Che's eyes flickered slightly: "What about him?"
"His Highness has already made arrangements in advance."
Liu Che was quite surprised. There were so many things in the past, but this had never happened before. What on earth could it be that required him to arrange it personally?
The thought flashed through his mind, and Liu Che dismissed Yu Sui and immediately summoned his ministers, still with a configuration similar to the one used for horse harnesses and telescopes. Several trusted generals, including the Minister of Agriculture and the Minister of the Ministry of Finance, were also present.
The group packed up and left the palace. Just as Yu Sui had said, this time they were heading to a remote location, not in Chang'an or the surrounding mausoleums, but towards Xinfeng County, near the Deli Mountain Range.
Liu Che looked around and saw no villages or people in the area, which was exactly what Liu Ju had said before.
After climbing up the mountain road, we soon arrived at a relatively flat, open area. There were several tables and chairs on the grass, with various drinks, snacks and other food on them.
Everyone sat down, confused.
What's the matter? Is Your Majesty too free and wants to invite them to a picnic?
"Where's the prince? Didn't he say he was coming here in advance to make arrangements? Is that all he was going to do?"
Looking at the rich variety and quantity of food on the table, Liu Che was also confused. What on earth was this brat up to?
Yu Sui bowed and replied, "Your Majesty, these foods were prepared by the Crown Prince because he was concerned that you would have traveled a long way and it would be inconvenient to cook a meal outside. You might miss lunch and it would be bad for your health. Therefore, he asked me to prepare them for you and your Majesty to fill your stomachs."
Huo Qubing picked up a piece of cake and threw it into his mouth: "Where is the prince? Why can't I see him?"
"The prince is already here, but we just need to wait."
"Waiting for what?"
"Wait for the wind to come."
Huo Qubing paused: "What did you say? Waiting for the wind, what else do you need..."
The words stopped abruptly. Huo Qubing and Wei Qing stood up instantly and ran towards Liu Che almost at the same time, one on the left and one on the right, guarding Liu Che from behind: "Protect the emperor!"
Everyone was confused and didn't know what was going on, but then they heard someone exclaim, "What is that!"
Following the sound, I saw a huge creature flying from the mountain on the left. It looked like a giant eagle, but not an eagle. It looked like a silk bird, but it was extremely large. There seemed to be a person hanging on the horizontal bar below the silk bird.
Everyone's expression changed, and they instantly understood why the general and the champion marquis suddenly moved.
Wei Qing and Huo Qubing were on high alert, their eyes fixed on the thing that had suddenly appeared. As it flew closer and closer, Wei Qing's expression gradually relaxed, and Huo Qubing opened his mouth slightly: "Is that... Yan Sui?"
Yan Sui? Captain of the Crown Prince's personal guard, Yan Sui?
Everyone looked closely, and it seemed to be Yan Sui.
Since he is the prince's man, he is not an assassin. Then could this big thing that looks like a silk bird be the prince's new thing?
As the thought flashed through his mind, he saw a huge "Kongming Lantern" rising in the air behind the "Silk Bird" and floating over with the "Silk Bird".
Under the "Kongming Lantern" was a hanging basket. Liu Ju stuck his head out of the basket and waved vigorously downwards: "Hi! Father, I'm here."
Liu Che & Everyone:!!!
Everyone was shocked. Liu Che stared at Liu Ju with eyes wide open, unblinking. He was even more horrified than everyone else, afraid he would fall. His hands trembled slightly, his heart pounding, and he held his breath, forgetting even to breathe.
When the "silk bird" and "Kongming lantern" landed on the ground one after another, Liu Che's heart slowly settled down, but he was instantly filled with anger.
The brat was truly gutless, daring to go this high and this dangerous on his own. If he needed someone to test it, couldn't the hanging basket hold the Baishanzanghai? Why would a prince like him have to go there himself?
If this...if there is a mistake...
Just thinking about it made Liu Che's heart ache suddenly, as if he had been shot by an arrow. He looked at Liu Ju with an increasingly fierce look in his eyes. He clenched his fists, and the joints between his fingers crackled.
It seems I didn't punish him lightly last time. It's only been so long, and he's doing it again. It's clear he's completely forgotten the lesson he learned that day and his promise!
Liu Che clenched his teeth and his face turned ashen.
Over there, everyone looked at the two "giants" in front of them with disbelief in their eyes.
"This...this thing can actually fly?"
Liu Ju jumped down from the hanging basket, his hands behind his back, very proud: "Of course it can. Silk birds can fly into the sky, Kongming lanterns can fly into the sky. Why can't wooden kites and hot air balloons?"
"Wooden...wooden kite, hot air balloon? Are these the names of these two?"
Liu Ju pointed at them one by one and said, "This is a wooden kite. It has a similar structure to a silk bird, but the materials used are different. The main body is made of wood, and the wings are made of suitable fabric.
"This is called a hot air balloon. It's based on the same method as the Kongming lantern. It's just bigger and stronger, with a hanging basket underneath that can carry people and things."
"A wooden kite. A wooden flying kite. But this hot air balloon..." Someone looked at the flames in the balloon, which were still lingering in confusion. "It's burning to generate heat, and it's shaped like a sphere?"
Liu Ju paused for a moment and said, "That's fine if you want to understand it that way. That's not important. What's important is that both can carry people into space."
Everyone nodded enthusiastically. "Right, right, right. That's what matters most!"
Especially a few generals, their eyes widened, and they rushed forward, surrounding Liu Ju tightly.
"Your Highness, how did you do this?"
"Your Highness, how much weight can this thing carry?"
"Your Highness, how far can they fly?"
…
Everyone was talking at once, and questions popped up one after another like mushrooms after rain.
Liu Ju patiently answered them one by one: "The wooden kite glides on the wind and can carry the weight of one or two people depending on the size of the structure. It is not very convenient for carrying other things.
"But it doesn't require fuel or controlled fire. You can leap from great heights by grabbing the horizontal bar, but it's limited to leaping from great heights. Anything else is unsuitable.
"Compared to a hot air balloon, it can carry much more and more people. For example, the one just now was carrying Gu, Zang Hai, and Bai Shan. It can also carry cargo. It doesn't have to take off from a high altitude and descend; it can also take off from the ground and land elsewhere.
"In short, both have their own advantages, and we can decide how to use them according to the specific situation."
Fly high, take off from the ground, and land on another place...
These words drilled into their ears, and everyone's mind raced. If...if this was the case, did it mean they could exploit the terrain, take advantage of these two objects, and suddenly attack the enemy camp, catching them off guard?
Seeing the generals' eyes growing brighter, someone realized the key point: "Does it all require the use of wind power? Is it possible to control the direction?"
"Yes. They all rely on wind power." Liu Ju sighed and shook his head. "We can't control the direction. But we can monitor the wind direction and use it. The wooden kite uses air resistance to slow down the speed of descent, allowing people to reach the ground at a speed they can bear.
"This thing has some limitations, but it's quite suitable for fighting in a canyon, or if there are mountains around the enemy camp. Hot air balloons, by comparison, have a much wider range of uses.
"We can't determine the direction, but we can control the amount of fuel and the size of the fire to achieve different altitudes. The wind direction in the sky isn't always the same. It varies at different altitudes.
"We can take advantage of this and choose different altitudes to adjust our position according to the wind direction."
The generals suddenly realized: "If they want to land, they also control the fuel and firepower?"
"right."
Liu Ju rolled his eyes and said with a smile, "The best thing about the hot air balloon is that even if the enemy camp below is in a special situation and not suitable for a landing raid, we can still deal with it in the air.
"The enemy's bows and crossbows have limited range. We can simply control the hot air balloon's altitude to exceed their range. Even if they spot us, they won't be able to do anything. But we can drop objects from the hot air balloon, such as flaming arrows."
Fire attack?
The generals' pupils widened and their hearts were filled with even greater excitement.
“This method is very good!”
"The enemy camp's fire is fierce, and they are helpless against us. They will surely suffer heavy losses and their morale will be broken."
"Not only that, if we knew where the enemy's supplies were and burned them, I wonder how they would be able to fight this battle."
"This thing is truly a surprise attack weapon. Your Highness is truly a genius. We all know about Kongming lanterns, but no one imagined they could be transformed into something like this. Sure enough, Your Highness needs to take action."
…
Words of praise are endless and never stop.
On the other side, Huo Qubing looked at Liu Ju, who was like the moon surrounded by stars, then looked at Liu Che, whose face was as dark as ink, and tilted his head to touch his nose.
You little brat, you're still so proud of yourself. You'll be crying soon.
Over there, after all the excitement, the generals finally remembered that there was an emperor present. They turned and walked towards Liu Che: "Your Majesty, although this weapon has limitations, if used properly, it can deal a heavy blow to the enemy."
"Yes, Your Majesty, we must expedite the production. We will be able to use it when we send troops to the Xiongnu. Minister of the Ministry of Finance, I am afraid that you will have to work hard since the troops are about to be dispatched."
"I can't help myself. I wish I could go to the border and fight the Xiongnu right now to see what their expressions would be when they see all these artifacts we have. Hahahaha."
"His Majesty……"
The generals were talking animatedly, one after another. Wei Qing frowned and interrupted them with two sharp coughs.
Everyone paused, confused, and looked up, only to see Wei Qing's gaze sweeping towards Liu Che. And Liu Che...
Hey, Your Majesty, does your face look a little strange?
Liu Ju also noticed it. True to his ignorance, he was fearless and even stepped forward to ask with concern: "What's wrong with your father? Is he feeling unwell? Is there a doctor accompanying you?"
Liu Che sneered and said nothing.
Liu Ju: ???
What do you mean? I care about you, why are you even more upset?
He paused, glancing at the wooden kite and the hot air balloon. No way. Could it be that these two things were so incredible that they had stunned his father into silence? Was his father such a coward?
Just as the thought came to mind, he heard Liu Che squeeze out two words from between his teeth: "Return to the palace."
Immediately, Liu Ju felt someone lifting him up by the back of his neck and dragging him all the way into the carriage.
Everyone: ...
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